Tag Archives: M77

AK Analytics, Analytics and Reports, Small Arms Design & Manufacturing Analytics

Zastava M77 Milled Kit Analysis

1. Executive Summary

The importation of Zastava M77 parts kits into the United States civilian market provides an opportunity to examine an early Cold War-era battle rifle. These specific kits are derived from the original milled-receiver variants of the M77 and M77A1, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO1. Sourced primarily from surplus stockpiles in Cyprus and Mali, these parts kits represent the platform in its original, select-fire military configuration1. This report analyzes the historical development, manufacturing evolution, international deployment, demilitarization, and modern civilian rebuilding process of the milled Zastava M77, distinguishing it from modern stamped commercial variants.

2. Origins and Design Intent

The Zastava M77 was developed in the late 1970s by Zastava Arms in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia (present-day Serbia)4. The design intent was to produce a full-power battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO to appeal to export markets, particularly non-aligned nations or those utilizing NATO-standard ammunition4. This initiative aligned with Yugoslavia’s strategic push toward self-reliant arms manufacturing and export revenue generation following the 1948 Tito-Stalin split4.

To accommodate the larger and higher-pressure 7.62×51mm cartridge, Zastava engineers scaled up the proven Zastava M70 action, itself a derivative of the Kalashnikov system4. The M77 retained the long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt mechanism, noted for its reliability in adverse conditions such as dust and mud, but incorporated strengthened components, including an enlarged receiver and a longer barrel4.

3. Manufacturing Evolution: Milled vs. Stamped Receivers

Initial production of the M77 commenced in 1977 utilizing forged and milled steel receivers4. The decision to use milled steel for the early runs was to ensure structural durability and rigidity to handle the recoil and pressure of the 7.62 NATO round4. Milled receivers start as a solid block of steel and undergo machining, resulting in a robust but labor-intensive monobloc receiver7.

By the mid-1980s, Zastava Arms transitioned the M77 production line to utilize 1.5mm stamped steel receivers with reinforced, bulged front trunnions—a structural element adapted from the Soviet RPK light machine gun4. This transition was driven by the need for cost efficiency, reduced machining time, and higher-volume manufacturing capabilities4. While specific weight savings for the M77 platform are not definitively documented by Zastava, transitioning from a milled to a stamped receiver in standard Kalashnikov platforms typically yields a weight reduction of approximately 0.37 kilograms (0.8 pounds)8. A standard stamped M77 B1 weighs approximately 4.35 kg (9.6 lbs) unloaded, with heavier bipod-equipped light machine gun variants reaching 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)5.

4. International Sales and Combat Deployment

Because the Yugoslav People’s Army predominantly utilized intermediate-caliber rifles like the M70, the M77 was relegated to a niche role domestically and marketed for export5. The milled M77 battle rifles were notably adopted by the Cypriot National Guard and the Armed Forces of Mali3.

The M77 experienced combat across several regional conflicts. It was fielded during the Lebanese Civil War, the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, and various internal conflicts and Tuareg Rebellions in Mali10. In Mali, the rifle was specifically issued to elite units, including paratroopers and the Presidential Guard3.

Service in Cyprus: The Cypriot National Guard procured approximately 1,000 milled M77 rifles in the late 1970s12. They obtained both standard battle rifles and heavy-barreled light machine gun variants equipped with bipods13. The weapon was utilized for decades before being phased out of standard issue to modernize their armories9. The design favored rugged field use. The mechanical loose tolerances and simple mechanics ensured reliability, though the heavy baseline weight and increased recoil of the 7.62 NATO round made it more challenging to control in fully automatic fire compared to intermediate-caliber platforms5. Some of the parts kits imported into the U.S. have been noted by consumers as bearing Greek writing on the wooden furniture, pointing directly to their Cypriot service origins3.

5. Demilitarization and U.S. Importation

Following their phase-out from active military service, these rifles were classified as surplus. Due to United States import regulations administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), intact select-fire receivers and original foreign-made machine gun barrels are prohibited from civilian importation7. Consequently, the rifles were demilitarized overseas prior to import. The original milled steel receivers were torch-cut (destroyed), and the original 500mm (19.7-inch) cold-hammer-forged, non-chrome-lined barrels were removed14. Unlike some other Warsaw Pact designs, original Yugoslavian military barrels were historically non-chrome-lined, relying instead on the hardness of the steel and rigorous cleaning regimens15.

The parts kits were imported into the United States primarily in the early 2020s. Bowman Arms (which merged with GALLO Inc. in early 2023 to become Bowman Armaments) served as a primary importer of the surplus materials, which were subsequently distributed to the retail market by companies including Apex Gun Parts and Centerfire Systems1. These imported kits included all original matching components—such as the bolt carrier group, adjustable gas block, trigger guard, and wooden furniture—minus the receiver and barrel2.

Disassembled wooden rifle stock and metal gun parts in a clear plastic bin.
Apex Gun Parts sells Good and Very Good Condition M77 kits and barrels. This photo is of one of the author’s Very Good condition kits.

6. Civilian Rebuilding and Market Feedback

The availability of these surplus kits created a specific segment in the U.S. firearm building community. To reconstruct the rifles into legal, semi-automatic civilian firearms, builders require a new, domestically manufactured receiver and barrel7.

Tortort Receivers and Barrels: A primary replacement for the destroyed original receiver is manufactured by Tortort Manufacturing. Tortort produces a 100% milled receiver CNC-machined from 4140 billet steel, which is then heat-treated to military specifications19. Builders pair these with US-made 4150 nitride-treated barrels21. Builder feedback indicates the Tortort receivers provide accurate dimensional tolerances and rigidity, replicating the original 1970s Zastava design18. Building a milled AK-pattern rifle from a parts kit requires specialized gunsmithing tools, including a hydraulic press to install the barrel and precision gauges to set the headspace correctly16.

Commercial Assemblies (Riley Defense): In addition to home builders, Riley Defense acquired a number of these surplus kits and Tortort receivers to produce and sell complete, assembled rifles known as the RAK-30823. Market feedback on the Riley Defense assemblies varies. Many users report reliable function and appreciate the use of authentic surplus parts paired with the milled Tortort receiver22. However, some consumers have documented assembly and quality control issues. Reported anomalies include side optic rails that do not accommodate standard AKM or Yugo mounts, and systems that feel over-gassed out of the box, requiring manual adjustment of the weapon’s gas block to function smoothly26.

Black firearm receiver and parts on weathered wood surface
The receiver was made by Tortort for Riley Defense. They include the bullet guide rivet cover plate plus an approximately AKM-sized side scope rail that is mounted in the predrilled receiver holes.

7. Technical Specifications and The M77A1 Variant

The original platform utilizes a proprietary 20-round straight-profile steel box magazine9. As original magazines are scarce, US manufacturers like Csspecs have developed 20- and 25-round replacements that function in rebuilt kits27. Standard mechanical accuracy for rebuilt rifles ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 Minute of Angle (MOA), largely dependent on the quality of the new barrel, trigger installation, and the ammunition used29.

A significant subset of the imported kits belongs to the M77A1 variant. While the standard M77 B1 utilizes a traditional or adjustable gas block, the M77A1 is equipped with a dual-adjustable gas block integrated with a folding rifle grenade ladder sight2. When the grenade sight is deployed vertically, a rotary valve physically shuts off the gas port. This isolates the operating system, preventing the action from cycling and directing the total energy of a blank cartridge forward to launch a rifle grenade3.

8. Conclusion

The milled receiver Zastava M77 parts kits offer a detailed look into Yugoslavia’s Cold War-era strategy to produce a durable, full-power battle rifle for the global market. Designed for durability and utilizing a milled steel receiver, the M77 saw service in Mediterranean and African conflicts before being phased out. The importation of these torch-cut kits into the U.S. market has allowed collectors to reconstruct the platform using domestic receivers and barrels. While the rebuilding process requires specialized tooling and some commercial assemblies present dimensional inconsistencies, the resulting rifles provide a historically accurate representation of the original 1977 design.

AK-pattern rifle with wooden furniture and scope rests on a pile of firewood.
The author’s M77 rifle. CNC Warrior Russian brake, RS-Regulate 303M and AKR optic mounts, SIG 1-8 LPVO and Ronin’s Grips M70 grip. The trigger is an ALG Enhanced unit.

Master Summary Table

Specification / AttributeDetails
ManufacturerZastava Arms (Kragujevac, Yugoslavia/Serbia)6
Model Variants (Imported Kits)M77 B1 (Standard Battle Rifle), M77A1 (Adjustable Gas Block with Grenade Sight)2
Caliber7.62×51mm NATO / .308 Winchester6
Operating SystemGas-operated, long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt6
Original Receiver ArchitectureForged and Milled Steel (Introduced 1977); Destroyed/Torch-cut for US import compliance4
Domestic Replacement ReceiverTortort Manufacturing (CNC Machined 4140 Billet Steel, Heat Treated)19
Gas Block MechanicsDouble-adjustable gas flow; M77A1 features grenade ladder sight w/ internal gas shutoff valve2
Original Weight (Unloaded)9.6 lbs (4.35 kg) standard B1 model; 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) for heavy-barreled LMG variants5
Overall Length39.0 – 40.7 inches (990 – 1035 mm) depending on variant/stock4
Barrel Specifications19.7 inches (500 mm); Originals: Cold-hammer-forged, non-chrome-lined; Domestic replacements: 4150 Nitride4
Primary Export AdoptersCypriot National Guard (~1,000 rifles), Armed Forces of Mali10
Combat Deployment HistoryLebanese Civil War, Tuareg Rebellions (Mali), Yugoslav Wars10
Ammunition Feeding System20-round proprietary Zastava pattern (U.S. manufactured Csspecs magazines commonly utilized)9
Cyclic Rate (Original Military)Approximately 620 rounds per minute6
Civilian Accuracy Expectations1.5 – 3.5 MOA (Dependent on ammunition, barrel, and builder quality)29

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Sources Used

  1. Yugo M77 Parts Kits : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/1jnfqey/yugo_m77_parts_kits/
  2. Yugoslavian M77A1 Battle Rifle Parts Kit w/ Grenade Launcher Gas Block – 7.62 NATO / .308 WIN – Matching – Very Good Condition – Centerfire Systems, https://centerfiresystems.com/products/yugoslavian-m77a1-battle-rifle-parts-kit-w-grenade-launcher-gas-block-7-62-nato-308-win-matching-very-good-condition
  3. [Parts] Yugo M77A1 Parts Kit, Grenade Shutoff Gas Block, Very Good Matching, 7.62x51mm NATO $389.95 + S&H : r/gundeals – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/gundeals/comments/1fya95m/parts_yugo_m77a1_parts_kit_grenade_shutoff_gas/
  4. Zastava M77 – Grokipedia, https://grokipedia.com/page/Zastava_M77
  5. Zastava M77 B1 – Grokipedia, https://grokipedia.com/page/Zastava_M77_B1
  6. Zastava M77 B1 – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zastava_M77_B1
  7. Buyer’s Guide to the AK Family of Rifles – The Shooter’s Log, https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/buyers-guide-ak-rifles/
  8. AK-47 – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-47
  9. Zastava M77 – Gun Wiki – Fandom, https://guns.fandom.com/wiki/Zastava_M77
  10. Malian Armed Forces – Military Wiki | Fandom, https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Malian_Armed_Forces
  11. Zastava M77 – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zastava_M77
  12. Has anyone ever made an RPK based on the M77 receiver? : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/1igrryu/has_anyone_ever_made_an_rpk_based_on_the_m77/
  13. Cypriot National Guard Exercise armor pics – AFV Forum – tanknet.org, https://www.tanknet.org/index.php?/topic/13295-cypriot-national-guard-exercise-armor-pics/
  14. Yugoslavian M77 Battle Rifle Parts Kit – Unboxing – YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqqoWiZ-qgM
  15. Zastava question : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/dmngfo/zastava_question/
  16. How to start with a parts kit. : r/guns – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/1jl4tnh/how_to_start_with_a_parts_kit/
  17. Bowman Arms imports – Thompson Submachine Gun Message Board – MachineGunBoards.com Forums, https://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?/topic/27843-bowman-arms-imports/
  18. Zastava vs surplus m77 .308 rifles : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/1h0gqzc/zastava_vs_surplus_m77_308_rifles/
  19. YUGO M77 Tortort Milled Receiver – Carolina Shooters Supply, https://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/YUGO-M77-Tortort-Milled-Receiver-p/m77-receiver-tortort.htm
  20. Tortort 100% Milled Russian Pattern Fixed Stock AK Receiver – Centerfire Systems, https://centerfiresystems.com/products/tortort-100-milled-russian-pattern-fixed-stock-ak-receiver
  21. Riley Defense M77 .308 AK Milled Receiver w/4150 Nitride Barrel – Centerfire Systems, https://centerfiresystems.com/products/riley-defense-m77-308-ak-milled-receiver-w-4150-nitride-barrel
  22. Riley M77 : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/1hia0g3/riley_m77/
  23. Riley Defense RAK308-C 308 Winchester Semi-Auto Rifle – 20+1 Rounds – Buds Gun Shop, https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/159445/riley+def+ak+308+20rd+mil+rec
  24. Riley Defense RAK47 Classical 7.62x39mm 16.25″ Barrel, Heat-Treated Mil-Spec Stamped Receiver, Teak Butt Stock, Bakelite Pistol Grip, 30 Rd – Impact Guns, https://www.impactguns.com/semi-automatic-rifles/riley-defense-rak47-classic-7-62x39mm-16-25-barrel-30rd-wood-furniture-860247000702-rak101
  25. Riley Defense RAK 308 : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/1o1roez/riley_defense_rak_308/
  26. Looks Riley Defense found some M77B kits. : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/187xpq2/looks_riley_defense_found_some_m77b_kits/
  27. Zastava M77.308 25 round magazine. – Csspecs, https://stores.csspecs.com/zastava-m77-308-25-round-magazine/
  28. Csspecs Zastava M77.308 7.62×51 20 round magazine – RifleMags.co.uk, https://riflemags.co.uk/csspecs-zastava-m77-308-7-62×51-20-round-magazine/
  29. M77 Accuracy : r/zastavaarms101 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/zastavaarms101/comments/1izz90z/m77_accuracy/
  30. My mini-review of the (newly imported) Zastava M77 : r/ak47 – Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/ak47/comments/wbzkuz/my_minireview_of_the_newly_imported_zastava_m77/
  31. Which battle rifle is better, an M14 or a Zastava M77? – Quora, https://www.quora.com/Which-battle-rifle-is-better-an-M14-or-a-Zastava-M77
AK & Related Rifles, Serbia

Adding a RS Regulate GKR-9DY Handguard To A Zastava M77

Ok, so I planned to completely redo the M77 and keep the Battleworn wood for the future just in case. The first step was to swap out the wood handguards for a RS Regulate GKR-9DY. It’s a 9″ MLOK rail for Zastava AK-type rifles – this matters because a Zastava handguard is longer and a different shape than an AKM handguard.

Scot Hoskinson owns RS Regulate and is a meticulous engineer. His products are top notch and one thing I would tell you is to always read the instructions. He puts a lot of effort into documenting what you need to do so find the instructions and follow them.

RS Regulate GKR-9Y handguard installation guide for Kalashnikov Yugo/Serbian pattern rifles.
Trust me – read and follow the instructions to install a RS Regulate handguard. Note the instruction sheet is for the old part number GKR-9Y. Scot revised the part number and it is now the GKR-9DY — same handguard but different part number.
Installing RS Regulate GKR-9DY handguard on a Zastava M77 rifle.
Per the instructions in steps 3 and 4, I tapped the end cap into place. Note, you do need to test fit and make sure it will fit. You aren’t beating it into place with a ton of force. Mine went in without any filing needed but I did need to tap it to get it fully seated. You want the end cap to sit in the receiver firmly – not loose.

I don’t have photos of every step Scot lists, but I do want to mention step 5 – the front retainer set screws are backed out towards the receiver with the allen heads facing the rear. Once you have the front retainer in place and screwed to the handguard in step 10, you then tighten down the set screws to make everything nice and tight.

In all of his steps, be sure to follow the torque specifications and use blue loc-tite or your favorite medium strength thread locker. If you don’t, then the screws will risk coming loose and potentially falling out.
Close-up of the Zastava M77 receiver with RS Regulate GKR-9DY handguard being installed.
You can see the rifle’s handguard retainer is locked in place because the cam lever is rotated backwards. Looking down past the barrel you can see one of the two front retainer set screws waiting to be snugged down.
Installing an RS Regulate GKR-9DY handguard on a Zastava M77 rifle.
I used a long Bondhaus ball head allen key to reach in and tighten the set screws. Let me spare you some future grief – buy quality sets of allen wrenches that properly engage your fasteners. The cheap import keys are prone to poor fitment and/or rounding over the edges and both will mess up your fasteners.
Close-up of an RS Regulate GKR-9DY handguard mounted on a Zastava M77.
I applied Blue Loc-Tite before I snugged down the set screws. I removed the residue with a shop towel.

The Gas Tube Cover

The RS Regulate handguards are the lower-half only. It’s up to you to decide if you want to run the wood or just what. In my case, I am using one of our Yugo/Zastava gas tube covers that is made from glass-fiber reinforced high-temp urethane. A Yugo gas tube cover is significantly longer than that of an AKM and are not interchangeable.

To remove it, rotate the locking lever on the rear sight base. Zastava is one of the makers that make that lever really tight. I use a large adjustable wrench’s jaws to hold the lever while I rotate it up. You can also use a hammer with plastic heads to tap the lever up. Once it is rotated, the rear of the tube closer to the receiver can be lifted up and the unit brought back just a tad to clear the front gas block. By the way, the bolt carrier must be removed or the long gas piston will be in the tube and block removal.

Zastava M77 gas tube, handguard, and retaining clip for adding an RS Regulate GKR-9DY handguard.
I didn’t get a picture of the gas tube with the wood before I removed it so we’ll just pick up here. This is one of our high-temp Yugo/Zastava gas tube covers. The spring clip is from the wood set and pops into the our cover to help provide tension and support. If you don’t have the clip, I would recommend buying one vs. skipping it. Check Apex Gun Parts, Robert RTG, Numrich, Centerfire, etc.
RS Regulate GKR-9DY handguard detail, showing the OS markings.
The spring clip just presses into the pocket molded foir it in the cover.
Uzi stock attachment tool kit with various bits and hammer
I like to use a vise to hold the forged end of the gas tube. DO NOT try and clamp the thing circular end or you will crush it. The vise you see has smooth jaws and will not hurt the forging – if your vise has aggressive jaws to hold material, use something to protect the gas tube like jaw covers, pieces of wood, etc. In this photo, the cover is fully rotated into position. You may find it easier to rotate your cover to the left or to the right when it comes to installation or removal. If it will not turn, carefully inspect why and remove a bit of material as needed with a file, Don’t rush – you want a firm fit and for it to look good.
Uzi stock attachment tool kit with various bits and hammer
What it looks like when done.

Years ago, I did do a blog post with more instructions and links to videos. Please click here if you want to read it.

End Result

Uzi stock attachment tool kit with various bits and hammer
Uzi stock attachment tool kit with various bits and hammer

Summary

RS Regulate makes some great lower handguards for a variety of AKs including for the Yugo/Zastava M70 and M77s. It takes a little bit of effort to install and is very much worth it. You can optionally use your wood gas tube cover or buy one of our polymer units.

Note, I have to buy all of my parts – nothing here was paid for by sponsors, etc. I do make a small amount if you click on an ad and buy something but that is it. You’re getting my real opinion on stuff.

Please share the link on Facebook, Forums, with colleagues, etc. Your support is much appreciated and if you have any feedback, please email us in**@*********ps.com. If you’d like to request a report or order a reprint, please click here for the corresponding page to open in new tab.

AK & Related Rifles, Serbia

The Century Zastava PAP M77 in .308 – With Battleworn Furniture

Years ago, I had a Zastava M77 and regretfully sold it back in 2014. It was one of those situations where I had to sell it to fund other projects but I didn’t even get a chance to shoot it. I also had a custom M76 (the 8mm version) for a while but I did sell that one – mainly because it was a primer popper. That is a known issue because the firing pin hole opened up out of spec due to corrosive ammo use and didn’t adequately support the primer as a result but I digress.

I had resisted buying another one until Zastava decided to release what they called the “Battleworn” model (ZR77308W) and I caved. On one hand, it comes with some really nice retro looking Europen beech wood furniture. What really got me was that it was way cheaper than their other models that had optics and/or polymer furniture at that time.

Why the M77?

So, I had wanted to get back into the Zastava designated marksman’s rifle (DMR) game for a while and was just biding my time. The reason I wanted the M77 was due to all of the quality match 7.62×51 and match .308 match ammo that is out there. In comparison, try finding affordable true match grade 8mm ammo for the M76 or match 7.62x54r for the M91. You can find it once in a while but it’s not cheap and choices are limited here in the US. On the other hand, match 7.62×51 and .308 plentiful and affordable.

So, the main reasons were the ammo and the second was the M77 Battleworn model being very affordable in the Late Summer of 2023. As I am writing this, a quick search on GunBroker shows the Battleworn model selling fro $1369 with one 20-rd magazine up to $1,499 with five 20 round mags plus the various models are a lot closer in price. I paid less last summer but you get the idea. (In 2014 I bought a M77 with a thumbhole polymer stock and polymer handguard set for $600 or 700 from Centerfire Systems but that’s the way pricing goes – any vendor will raise prices to what they think the market will bear to try and maximize profits.)

Taking a Closer Look

Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
It’s well packed in an egg foam box. Note the CSSpecs 25 round magazine on the box cover.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
Honestly, the wood is really nice. It’s very reminiscent pf the M76 wood with a few minor exceptions – the grip does not have a ferrule, the recoil pad uses allen head screws and the stock bolt is one of their modern commerical shorter ones vs. the long Yugo military 8x1x260mm (about 10.23″ long).
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
Like many aspects of the original designs, the Yugoslavs modfield their scope rails and how they mount The result is more to the rear and is often refered to as “rear-biased” so they need a scope mount vs. an AKM pattern rail.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
Honestly, the wood is cool. It has almost rough hewn look but better finished if that makes sense. The grip reminds me of one that Matt Shuster of Ironwood Designs came up with many years ago before he passed. I think he called it the “mini fat cap” – if someone remembers, please tell me. He made the M76 Fat cap patterned after the original wierd awkward really fat but oddly short M76 grip but without a ferrule. Then he came up with a far more elegant smaller one and this Zastava design reminds me of it. Folks, Matt helped me get started years ago and was a genius with wood. God rest his soul and take care of his family.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
It has the mile long 19.7″ cold hammer forged barrel. The silver disc on the gas tube is the three position gas regulator. It has a slant brake on it and 14x1mm left hand threads under it just like any other AK. A M76’s long flash hider is actually part of the front sight assembly but that is not the case with the M77 – you can install whatever you want. Also, note the cleaning rod.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
Here’s a view of the rifle looking at the operating side. The chromed bolt jumps right out in contrast.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
The M77 uses a bulged trunnion and the oversized AK receiver needs to accomadte it. These bigger 1.5mm thick receivers are beefy. They both hold the various component assemblies in position and the thicker receiver means more steel to compensate for any metalurgical or hardening shortcomings.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
Zooming in on just the receiver. Note the notched selector/safety lever and the relatively tall selector stop. In the top right you can see the other side of the operating rod lock.

Opening it up

Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, barrel, and wooden stock
The locking dust cover was introduced in the M70 Yugo rifles because their doctrine made extensive use of rifle grenades. They didn’t want the cover top pop off so they added a sliding lock that holds the rear recoild spring assembly in place and, thus, the top cover in place. By the way, one of the really nice side benefits is that when you reassemble a rifle with one of these locks, you put the recol spring in front, install the dust cover without fighting the spring, push the button and the recoil rod pops out the back.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
Looking at the locking assembl, the plunger button the operator pushes is at the bottom of the photo. The slightly elevated portion under the top lip of the trunnion (top in this photo – right side in real life looking down – is what slides out of the way wehn pressed so the recoil spring assembly can come forward for removal. What you don’t see is the hidden compression spring. If you ever need these parts, CNC Warrior make and sells both the whole assembly.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
Looking down at the classic double hook AK trigger and double wound spring. I’ve had guys ask me why did they double these? The answer is fault tolerance. The second hook is there if the first should fail and the second spring winding is there should one of the two fail. In all of my years working on civilian AKs, I’ve never seen a hook fail but I have seen springs fail although very, very rare and usually from a surplus kit build.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
Look at those hooks! They are forged and not stamped. The bevels in the front and the back help the bolt carrier pass by.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
Here’s a better view of the three position gas regulator disc. Note the vent holes in the gas block itself.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
One oversized bolt assembly. Despite what some may tell you, the PSLs and these M76/M77/M91 families of rifles are oversized AKs. The SVD Dragunovs use very different bolt carrier assemblies.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
Longer than a normal AK gas pistol and chrome plated to improve corrosion resistance.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
View from the side. Some of the machining is crude but effective in places.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
Bolt extended in the carrier.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
I chuckled when I saw this. There are two numbering systems on some of the parts – crisp machined ones and ones done by hand with an electropencil like you would see on some kits.
Uzi parts kit disassembled: receiver, stock, barrel, and sights
You an see the numbers of the key parts and they should all match.
Century Zastava PAP M77 .308 rifle with battleworn furniture undergoing maintenance.
Interesting – more holes to vent propellant gasses.
Zastava PAP M77 battleworn furniture close-up.
A better view of the upper and lower handguard assembly,
Zastava PAP M77 .308 pistol grip with battleworn furniture.
A view of the grip.
Close-up of the wooden stock on a Century Zastava PAP M77 rifle in .308 with battleworn furniture.
The buttstock has the distinctive grip area like you would see on the M76 military stocks. I have never had the purpose of that grip area explained to me.
Close-up of the Zastava PAP M77 battleworn furniture, showing the buttstock and its two screws.
It uses a classic Yugo military sized recoil pad. What’s noteworthy is that they have ditched the old slotted screws for allen/head-head screws.

Summary

This gives you an overview of the M77 battleworn model right out of the box. Nothing really surprised me and the quality looked good. Sometimes I buy stuff and regret it but not this time.

If you know me, you also know I could not going to leave it alone and the customizations will be in future posts.

Note, I have to buy all of my parts – nothing here was paid for by sponsors, etc. I do make a small amount if you click on an ad and buy something but that is it. You’re getting my real opinion on stuff.

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Uncategorized

Joseph’s Sweet M77 With Our Bulgy Grip

Joseph’s Zastava M77 looks sweet!  I really like how it turned out!!

Joseph's M77 rifle with bulgy grip and extended magazine
Joseph's M77 rifle with a Bulgy grip and suppressor

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Gunsmithing

What is a Ferrule on Yugo and AK Rifles?

A ferrule is a metal end cap found on some wood grips and handguards to protect the end grain of the wood from being hammered and splitting open.  They were used on different country’s weapons and are usually not interchangeable between countries.  For example, Bulgarian and Yugo ferrules are different.

Near and dear to me are the metal ferrules on Yugoslav / Zastava wood lower handguards.  The following photo shows a M92 lower and the black metal cap is the ferrule.  This ferrule does not fit everything Yugo – just the M70, M85/92, and M77.  The M72 and M76 are unique sizes.

Ronin's M92 handguard wood with damaged mounting bracket

You have three options when you need a ferrule:  1) Find a used one and this is real hard – try posting in the Marketplace of http://www.akfiles.com and see if they have one.  2) Buy a replica ferrule from us or 3) Simply pry the old ferrule off, put it on the new handguard and the squeeze the tabs shut again with a pair of pliers.

Close-up of a tool removing wood from a M92 handguard for Ronin's Grips installation.
Black plastic clip for Ronin's Grips M92 handguard installation

Note if you are putting it on one of our plastic handguards either just set it on it with the ears closed or glue it in place.  Absolutely do not try to squeeze the ears shut — the little metal divots will not dig into our plastic and you risk snapping the handguard tabs.  Again, either slide it on or glue it in place with something like rubber glue or Goop that you can later remove if you want.  Epoxy works too but it is pretty permanent.

For example, I just slid the ferrule on the M70 bulged handguard in the next photo.

LiteXpress X-Tactical 101 flashlight with rotary selector and green LED indicator

We manufacture ferrules that fit the Yugo/Zastava M70, M77, M85 and M92 lower handguards. Note, they are specific to those models and will not fit other nationalities or models.

Click here to visit our store with the ferrules for sale.

Please share the link on Facebook, Forums, with colleagues, etc. Your support is much appreciated and if you have any feedback, please email us in**@*********ps.com. If you’d like to request a report or order a reprint, please click here for the corresponding page to open in new tab.

AK & Related Rifles, Gunsmithing

Added RS Regulate Mount and Vortex HS-T Scope to the Zastava M77

I installed the RS Regulate AK-310 base and AKR top rail in preparation for the new beautiful Vortex HS-T 4-16x44mm scope the folks at Vortex helped me select.

Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test

The RS Regulate system is genuinely impressive. By installing the bottom rail, you then have options about the front to back location of the AKR rail as well as left to right. If you wanted to, you could install a shim if you needed even more vertical adjustment on one end or the other to compensate for a poorly placed side mount on the rifle.

The only hangup installing the AR-310 base was a poorly formed rivet with a protruding portion of the head that the base was hanging up on. I ground that portion flush and then used Brownells’ Oxpho blue to touch it up. When steel is freshly ground, I apply the Oxpho cold bluing liquid with a Q-tip and the steel instantly turns black. I let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe it off and apply oil.

Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test

The AK-310 base slides on like any other ComBlock side mount but it has a very nice cam lever and an adjustable bolt on the bottom to get the cam lever nice and secure. Once I got rid of the protruding rivet, it slid right on and then I adjusted to bolt until it was nice and snug when I flipped the lever.

Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test

The AKR looks like a reverse picatinny rail on the bottom and interlocks with the rail top of the AK-310. I had to move the AKR all the way to the front to compensate for the M77’s rear mounted rail. The AKR is held to the AK-310 by 4 screws in grooves. The beauty of this is that you can really dial in the centering of the scope. I was able to get the AKR exactly centered over the M77. Now, once you have it located, they give you two staking pins to drill and install to permanently locate AKR. I have held off doing that I may need to move it around some but went ahead and applied blue Loc-tite on the screws.

Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test
Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism

With the rail centered and ready to go, I turned my attention to the HS-T scope from Vortex. This is one heck of a nice scope. I opted for the MilDot reticle and a 44mm objective to ensure I cleared the rear sight leaf. In hindsight, I could have gone with a 50mm objective as there was plenty of clearance.  I own a Vortex Sparc II red dot and liked it.  This is my first actual Vortex rifle scope and I am very impressed.

I used 30mm medium rings to mount the Vortex. They are extremely beefy tactical rings from UTG. You may laugh but I have had very good luck with their rings. The only shortcoming this time is that they were so long (from front to back) that I ate up some precious real estate for sliding the scope forward. It all worked out in the end but for awhile I wasn’t sure if I could get the eye relief right but I did.

There was some give and take as I moved the scope rings and the AKR around. The photo above shows the AKR sitting in the last groove.  I wound up actually having it overhang by one by the time it was all set.

Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism

So, the scope lines up beautifully with the 1″ cheek riser on my Ace skeleton stock. I have heard that the Vortex scopes have good optics but that is an understatement – you have to look through one to realize how good it is – very bright and clear. Couple that with arguably one of the best no questions asked warranties in the industry and now you know why I bought it. I did a ton of research before doing so as well.

Now, the Yugo M77 is complete. It has our traditional front handguard set plus our custom Bulgy ARM-9 grip that I really like.

Only one more thing to do now … find the time to take this hammer shooting with multiple brands and loads of good ammo to stretch its legs.

Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Bullet drop test: Cartridge inserted into barrel mechanism
Barrel components with a cartridge for bullet drop testing
Barrel components with a cartridge for bullet drop testing

In the very near future, I will swap out the medium rings for a low offset AR mount so I can get the scope closer to the center of the bore plus move the scope just a bit more forward and that will be a post for another day.

One final comment, Ace Riflestocks emailed me the other day and their modular Zastava adapter is back in stock.  If you are looking for one, I would recommend checking them out as well as Desert Fox.

Please share the link on Facebook, Forums, with colleagues, etc. Your support is much appreciated and if you have any feedback, please email us in**@*********ps.com. If you’d like to request a report or order a reprint, please click here for the corresponding page to open in new tab.

AK & Related Rifles, Gunsmithing, Serbia

Converted a Base Zastava M77 .308 DMR

I purchased a base Zastava M77 rifle from Bud’s Guns and had the rifle sent to my good friend and FFL, Scott Igert over at http://www.migunexchange.com. To be imported, the rifle was pretty neutered with a thumbhole stock and a tacked on muzzle nut.  We then went to work – the result has our M70 traditional handguard set (the same handguard style is used on the M70 series, M76 and M77 rifles), one of our Bulgy ARM-9 custom grips (my favorite grip hands down right now), Tapco G2 FCG, US Phantom brake, a Desert Fox PK1025 adapter, and an Ace skeleton stock with a 1″ pad.

Close-up of a Zastava M77 .308 DMR rifle's stock adapter with hex bolt
Close-up of a Zastava M77 .308 rifle's pistol grip and magazine
Zastava M77 .308 DMR rifle with aftermarket stock and magazine
Zastava M77 .308 DMR with aftermarket pistol grip and sling attachment
Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test
Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test
Bullet being inserted into a barrel for bullet drop test

The original muzzle nut was tack welded on. I removed it with a Dremel and touched up with Oxypho Blue from Brownells.

The original gas tube cover did not use a handguard retainer spring/clip. My gas tube covers really need them to stabilize so I dug around in my parts bin and used one.

The Phantom brake is one I had handy and rather than bother with the detent pin, I used a crush washer.

The FCG retaining wire self destructed as I pulled it out (I hate those things) and replaced it with a plate.  [We have a new fire control retaining plate that is the proper dimensions for all AKM style fire control groups.]

The fixed stock was secured via a long wood screw that went though the integral Yugo grip nut. I was impressed that they did this without harming the 6mm threads in the nut. I just used one of our full length screws and away I went.

Our next post will show the RS Regulate mount and Vortex scope we bought for the rifle.

Please share the link on Facebook, Forums, with colleagues, etc. Your support is much appreciated and if you have any feedback, please email us in**@*********ps.com. If you’d like to request a report or order a reprint, please click here for the corresponding page to open in new tab.